August 15, 2008 - Clone Wars Midnight Movie Premiere

Who'd have thought that there would be a new Star Wars movie in theaters ever again? But I'm glad there was because I got to "troop" one!

We settled on the Regal at Town Center Mall in Kennesaw, GA for the midnight opening. We assumed there would be a big crowd. This was a Star Wars movie afterall! Well, it didn't quite turn out that way. It was a fairly low-key event. The theater is actually quite secluded, away from the main drag and the movie failed to bring out the crowds. The critics certainly didn't help, either which is a shame because in my opinion the movie was really fun, and I hope more will give it a chance. Kids definitely loved it!




This event was the debut for Madog in his "Scorch" Republic Commando costume. He's been working day and night for months determined to get it finshed by the premiere, and boy did he ever. He looked great! He's got lights and sounds and all kinds of cool working on that thing. Great job, buddy! Next stop - 501st approval and membership!
It was a long evening as we all arrived at around 9pm. We didn't stay for the movie, but the Regal was kind enough to give all of us free passes to see the movie some other time, and free psses to see anything else.

Attending:

Kris - RC/TK 6247
Steve - TB 2719
Darrell - RC Scorch

Liz, Gina, Detag - Photographers/Costume Support
Mario, Joy - Moral Support

Read More... After the Jump!

August 8, 2008 - Clone Wars Movie Advance Screening

Two months in the Legion and I get to participate in an event officially requested by Lucasfilm! Plus we got to see the new "Clone Wars" movie a week early. Don't get much more awesome than that!


We were there for a meet and greet with all of the attendees, including lots of kids with their parents. Warner Brothers and Comcast provided tote bags, posters and activity books for all of the kids in attendance (and for us, of course.... 501st membership equals cool swag!)

Brandi was an AWESOME Assaj Ventress, with her costume based on the the first "Clone Wars" Micro-series appearance on Cartoon Network. I was most impressed with the fabrics used. They were very flat and vibrant and she really looked like the 2D drawing coming to life.

And I got to sign my first autograph! (TB-2719 Biker Scout) Hehe!

After a quick stop at the snack bar, it was off to see the movie (which was great, BTW!) It was funny because of the security checkpoint at the theater entrance, while we were in costume we were not checked at all and could go right in. But back in our street clothes, we were wanded and all had our cel phones confiscated!

Attending:

Hal - TK 9609
Steve - TB 2719
Kris - RC/TK 6247
Brandi - SL 1121
Anita - TB 9608

Jimmy Burns - GA 501st CO Wrangler/Photographer
Madog - Costume Support/Photographer

Read More... After the Jump!

July 31, 2008 - Author Karen Traviss Book Signing

The Wordsmith's Bookstore in Decatur, GA hosted a booksigning event with Star Wars Author Karen Traviss. Karen is best known for her "Republic Commando" series of novels based on the popular video game. She was there promoting and signing her new book, the novelization of the "Clone Wars" 3D animated movie.

There were about 50 folks in attendance and lots of kids in costume. Karen gave a nice talk, took questions from the audience, and then slid behind a table to start signing books. By 9:30pm, most everyone had left but us. We got to speak to Karen one-on-one and she's quite pleasant and personable. She is really a big fan of the 501st and is herself an honorary member.

Our two "Republic Commando" costumers were of course in attendance. Kris as "Boss" and Madog showing off his newly completed "Scorch" backpack, which Karen signed.

Attending:

Alex - TK 332
Hal - TK 9609
Charles - TK 887
Steve - TB 2719
Kris - RC/TK 6247
Demon - SL/TR 9713
Beau - DZ 1673

Jimmy Burns - GA 501st CO Wrangler/Photographer
Madog - Costume Support/Photographer

Read More... After the Jump!